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Institute opens its door to young scientists

Over 60 students from schools in London and the south east were immersed in the advanced clinical research which happens at the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT) during an open day.

Leading biomedical scientists shared the latest developments in their research with the students at the annual event on 21 June. There were presentations on viruses, transplant immunology, and how vaccines work in older people.

Hands-on activities such as using a pipette, viewing live cells under a microscope to understand their structure and scope, separating blood into its different components and inflating a sheep's lung were all part of a busy afternoon for the participants.

"Every year it is wonderful to open our doors to young people. It gives them the opportunity to see us at work and have an insight into the research that is going on almost on their doorstep, and it is refreshing for us to be challenged by their questions and interest," says Professor Hans Stauss, director of the IIT.

"We hope that events like this encourage school students to think about what they could contribute to society through a career in science. Research is a long process but the IIT has already made some significant discoveries that are changing the way in which patients are treated for certain diseases."

The presentations included a report from Emma Morris, Professor of Clinical Cell and Gene Therapy. During this year she has been working on a project with year 12 students from Graveney School in Tooting south London. This has involved molecular biology experiments in the school and at UCL to generate tools for cancer immunotherapy with gene-modified immune cells.

The UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation is a world leading research centre on the human immune system. It brings together doctors, nurses, scientists and patients who are all focused on testing new medicines and therapies, and methods for traditional and stem cell transplantation. This means the timeframe for developing new treatments for patients will be substantially shorter. Research teams are working on diseases that affect many people in our local communities including diabetes, hepatitis, and cancers.

We hope that events like this encourage school students to think about what they could contribute to society through a career in science. Research is a long process but the IIT has already made some significant discoveries that are changing the way in which patients are treated for certain diseases.

Professor Hans Stauss

Construction is underway for a new home for the IIT next door to the Royal Free Hospital. This will be known as the Pears Building and will be completed in autumn 2020. As a dedicated, modern research facility it will offer more opportunities for young people to engage with the clinical research that will be carried out there.